A recent ABC News piece, “New Technology Successful in Reducing Severity of Car Crashes,” offers a glimpse at the future of automobile safety, namely, the promise of crash avoidance technology. Crash avoidance technology includes electronic features built into an automobile for the purpose of helping drivers avoid auto accidents with pedestrians or other vehicles.
One example of such technology is adaptive headlights. Such headlights may swerve, or rotate around a bend in a curve, illuminating both the curve and potential hazards, like animals in the road, pedestrians or another vehicle. Because a common cause of many deadly car accidents is the inability to see a road hazard due to weather or lighting conditions, this technology can certainly save lives.
However, crash avoidance technology will probably not impact the number of car accidents caused by reckless drivers, drunk drivers or faulty vehicles parts. A top car accident lawyer in Chicago can help you investigate the accident, identify responsible parties and navigate various state and federal laws so you get the compensation you deserve.
According to the latest Fatality Facts released by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), there were 37,261 deaths due to automobile accidents in 2008. Crash avoidance technology, such as adaptive headlights, blind spot sensors and lane departure warnings, have the potential of cutting down on car accident fatalities. The ABC News story says that 31 percent of car accident fatalities “could be prevented, or have an alternate outcome” if such technology is used in vehicles.
Although crash avoidance technology has the potential to make driving safer for all, such technology is not being used by all car manufacturers — and it will take years for such technology to become prevalent in most cars on our nation’s roadways. Furthermore, crash avoidance technology will not prevent serious motor vehicle accidents caused by negligent or reckless drivers. To speak with a Chicago auto accident lawyer regarding your injury, call Passen & Powell at 312-527-4500 for a free consultation.
